I recently came upon mention of someone writing cherita. I had never heard of a cherita and so, I went looking to learn more. (Cherita is pronounced CHAIR-rita, it is both singular and plural, and, it put me in mind of cherries, thus the photo.)
It turns out that a cherita is an unrhymed, untitled, poem that tells a story in 3 verses. Verse 1 is one line, verse 2 is two lines, verse 3 is three lines. Click here for more on the form and examples. The best way to learn about any form is to read examples.
I figured I'd give the cherita a try. I realize I will have to do a lot more reading before I feel confident I've got it right, but this is a start:
first spring day
with the window open
the sound of helicopters
her keyboard clicks
in counterpoint
...searching
project winds down
three days for review
then off it goes
not nearly enough
carbs in the cupboard
to see me through
face still flushed
a resumé book disappears
from the library
she earns 79 cents
to HIS dollar--
they share an office
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
Has anyone else tried writing cherita? How did it go?
Irene at Live Your Poem is our Round-Up hostess this week!
Diane- this form is new to me, but your wonderful poems have inspired me to give it a try. I'm going to take a look at your link to more examples. Thanks for introducing me to this form!
ReplyDeleteIt's always fun to find something new!
DeleteI'd never heard of cherita before, either. I honestly had no idea how varied and complex the world of poetry could be before participating in Poetry Friday. You've inspired me to try something new, too!
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right, the poetry world is very varied and complex, and always ready to surprise us.
DeleteI just want to say "Amen!" to Jane's comment. :-) I've learned so much! (And now a new form to play with -- thanks!)
DeleteI'd never heard of this either, but you did a wonderful job with these. I'm intrigued.
ReplyDeleteI had second thoughts about this post since I'm afraid I might have misunderstood the form and what is "right." Like the second cherita--is it okay to write the story in the first person?
DeleteOoooh cherita... even the word is delicious! You've done a fabulous job here. It's new to me. I will try it! Thank you, Diane! (and now I am wondering what pics you would put with these cheritas...) xo
ReplyDeleteI don't know that these are illustratable. The first one is all about the sound and doesn't translate well to pictures.
DeleteNice to learn about a new poetic form, Diane. Love your attempts; each immerses me in its story and makes me want to know more. Cherita sounds like a cherry margarita. :)
ReplyDeleteCherry margarita! That's it!
DeleteNew to me too, and it was nice to learn that the word means "stories", Diane. You have told a story in each. That middle one offers a big smile.
ReplyDeleteIt's not easy telling a story in 6 little lines. I enjoyed the challenge.
DeleteThank you for introducing a new form of poetry to me. It sounds intriguing enough to try. I enjoyed your examples.
ReplyDeletePlease try, I'd like to see how others approach it.
DeleteThanks for sharing this... a new form to me. Your "firsts" look good to me! You inspired me to read more... and I think I will enjoy writing with this form. I like its anecdotal nature and that it can be written by three partners --perfect for classroom writing!
ReplyDeleteThat would be an awesome classroom project! Or, you could provide the first line, which sets the scene, and then see where the kids take it.
DeleteVery interesting! I will put this on my list to try.
ReplyDeleteSo many forms, so little time...
DeleteNew form - which tempts me. Partly because I love the brevity. And you do it so well. Almost caustic wit. That last one is a cracker! The final line makes it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kat! Brevity is my favorite feature.
DeleteI love learning about new poetry forms. Thanks! I reach for carbs, too, when I'm working on writing. I must give this form a try.
ReplyDeleteEverything, but in moderation--even carbs!
DeleteI'm not surprised this form would appeal to you, it definitely has that Japanese short form vibe. Enjoyed your examples and I'm going to try it out! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely try it, Michelle!
DeleteInteresting. Thank you! I like that this derivative form of haiku and tanka does away with counting syllables. I think you've captured the spirit well (especially in the resumé / office piece).
ReplyDeleteYup! I didn't count at all, except for the number of lines!
DeleteLove these wee stories, Diane! I hope you share more in the future.
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to give them a try. Thanks!
I have an illustrated one for Happy Haiga Day! on Sunday.
DeleteI think I've seen this form, but never knew it had an official name...thanks for sharing, I'll need to tackle this sometime!
ReplyDeleteInteresting form!
ReplyDeleteI love the storytelling element of this form. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI, too, haven't heard of this form, but I am intrigued. Thanks for the introduction and sharing your attempts, Diane. I especially like the lines:
ReplyDelete"not nearly enough
carbs in the cupboard
to see me through" - amen, sister! =)